Method for remote operation of machines using a mobile device

Abstract

A method for remote operation of machines using a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device may detect and display one or more machines. The mobile device may establish a wireless connection with a machine. The mobile device may retrieve and display machine related information including one or more machine parameters, one or more implements, and one or more controls of the machine. In addition, the mobile device may transmit input commands received from an operator via the controls to the machine. The machine may be configured to establish the wireless connection with the mobile device and broadcast machine related information to the mobile device. The machine may also execute the input commands received from the mobile device and perform one or more functions. The method includes steps performed by the mobile device and the machine for the remote operation respectively.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates in general to remote control of machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for remote operation of different types of machines in a line of sight of an operator using a mobile device.BACKGROUND[0002]In industrial work environments, such as construction sites and underground mining sites, different utility machines are employed to carry out a variety of tasks, such as load carrying, unloading, and ferrying of goods to different locations within the work environments. During operation, the different utility machines may need to be continuously monitored, controlled, and / or coordinated to perform the variety of tasks as desired and in a safe manner. At present, different machine control systems and / or devices are made available to a machine operator such that the machine operator can communicate with and operate the utility machines remotely. Typically, the utility machines are within a line of sight of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method, mobile device, and machine configuration for remote operation using mobile devices. The technical effects of the patent allow for users to detect and connect with machines using a mobile device, display machine parameters and controls on the mobile device, and input commands to the machine for execution. The machine controller also broadcasts machine information to the mobile device for operation. Overall, the patent provides a simplified way for users to remotely operate machines and perform functions on behalf of the machines.

Problems solved by technology

However, the machine operator may find the existing machine control systems to be cumbersome and / or complex to understand and / or use.

The machine operator may also find it difficult to operate the different utility machines using a limited set of controllable actions provided in the existing machine control systems.

In some instances, the existing machine control systems may not be adapted to and / or suitable for enabling various actions to be performed by the different utility machines.

For example, a machine control system adapted to manipulate a loader crane may not be adapted to manipulate a ferrying truck or a tractor.

Consequently, the machine operator may need multiple machine control systems to operate the different utility machines respectively which may not be desirable and may lead to confusion.

However, in some instances, visual aids, such as the camera aided images and / or the virtual images of the work environment or a work tool of the machine may not be sufficient to assess different critical parameters related to the machine.

Also, in some instances, the remote-control device may not be configured to detect, display, and / or visually represent additional tools, accessories, retrofitted tools, and / or modifications to existing tools in the machine.

Further, implementing safety protocols in situations when the remote-control device, the touch-screen function, and / or the visual aids are faulty or inoperable may be necessary.

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